Tradition / Region: Latvian Mythology
Alternate Names: Nagcepure
Category: Sorcerer
The Myth
Līkcepure is described as the chief of witches, a powerful supernatural figure distinguished by a crooked hat with a brim made from human cut nails, and referred to as lame.
In the story, during the witches’ gathering inside the devil’s pit, Līkcepure appears after the others have performed their rituals. He emerges hissing and is identified as the leader among the witches. He asks whether everything is prepared, and upon confirmation, strikes a block with an axe. The room fills with fire, and the block transforms into a golden chariot, while the axe becomes a dragon harnessed to it.
He rides with the old witch and takes part in the gathering where the dragon breathes sparks and smoke. When a man named Kangars is brought before him, Līkcepure declares that his time has come and orders that he be thrown into the dragon’s throat. After Kangars begs for more time, Līkcepure offers to spare him if he agrees to certain conditions. Kangars accepts, and Līkcepure grants him additional years.
After this, Līkcepure announces that the matter is finished, departs with the witch, and disappears as fire fills the chamber again.
Sources
AILAB contributors. (n.d.). Pumpurs – Lāčplēsis (2. daļa). In AILAB, from https://web.archive.org/web/20060131100630/http://www.ailab.lv/Teksti/Senie/Pumpurs/2.dala.html
Pumpurs, A. (1888). Lāčplēsis (Bearslayer), II Song: The Bear-World’s First Heroic Deed. In Latvian national epic poetry.